Oregon OSHA Set to Issue Emergency Coronavirus Workplace Rules
A reported 29 of 600 coronavirus-related deaths in Oregon have a connection to workplace outbreaks.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Nov 05, 2020
Oregon OSHA published a draft of temporary emergency rules to help combat the growing number of deaths related to COVID-19 in the state, according to KGW8.
The rules are a response to the approximately 8,000 cases of coronavirus that were contracted on the job in Oregon, which make up 20% of Oregon’s reported cases. These temporary rules will expire after 180 days, but it is expected that OSHA will implement permanent rules when they run out.
“We’re actually pretty proud of the balance we were able to strike with our rule, said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA Administrator. “It’s important to protect workers—it’s critical. But it’s also important to recognize there are businesses that have taken a pretty hard hit during all of this as well.”
This will make Oregon the third state to issue coronavirus-specific emergency workplace standards.
More information on the emergency rules can be found at osha.oregon.gov.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.